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Proposed Law Gives San Franciscans Greater Choice In Internet Providers

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Proposed legislation would require San Francisco property owners to allow tenants in multi-unit buildings to choose their own internet service provider.

While federal law prohibits property owners and property managers from entering into exclusive agreements with service providers, ISP’s estimate that roughly 500 multi-unit buildings in the city have limits in place that effectively prevent residents from using alternate providers, according Supervisor Mark Farrell.

Farrell’s legislation, introduced Tuesday, would allow qualified ISP’s certified by the California Public Utilities Commission to gain access to the inside of a building with four or more units and provide internet service when requested by residents.

The ISP’s will be required to provide advance written notice to property owners.

“Internet access must be viewed as a fundamental right in today’s world,” Farrell said in a statement. “There is no reason tenants should be limited in their choice of Internet service providers.”